Marys Peak Recreational Area (25.5 miles from Corvallis)

Marys Peak is part of the Suislaw National Forest and is managed by the USDA Forest Service. This is the highest peak (4,097 feet) in the Oregon Coastal Range, and has been designated a Scenic Botanical Area because of its rich, unique scenery and plants (the photo is of the wildflower meadow on the summit in June). Marys Peak is a good place to cool off during summer heat spells. There is a $5 Northwest Forest Pass parking fee for the Conner's Camp and upper parking lots. Information is available on-line at:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/siuslaw/recreation/recarea/?recid=42311

Picnic area: One picnic spot is at Conner's Camp; turn right at the sign 5.5 miles up Marys Peak Road. There is a parking lot (fee required) for the East Ridge Trail, a couple of picnic tables in a meadow, and a vault toilet. This area is less exposed to wind than are the picnic tables set around the upper parking lot; however the scenery at the upper lot is pretty spectacular. There is also a picnic table on the peak at the end of the summit trail. Be sure to pack out any picnic leavings!

Restrooms: Vault toilets at Conner's Camp and at the upper parking lot, no running water.

Hiking: There are several trails on Marys Peak. The most popular is the gravel road from the upper parking lot to the top of the peak, where alpine wildflowers bloom in spring and summer. From the peak on a clear day, one can see the Oregon coast to the west, and Mount Rainier in Washington State to the north. Two short hikes: the Meadow Edge trail and the Woods Creek Trail, tie into the summit trail, but these can be damp and muddy in spring. The longer, relatively dry, 2 mile East Ridge Trail winds through coniferous forest from Conner's Camp to the upper parking lot.

Pets: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in the Marys Peak Scenic Botanical Area.

Birding: A notable birding area. Bald eagles and ravens soar above the surrounding hills. Migrating birds stop here in spring and fall; rarities are often spotted on the Peak.

Getting there: Go west out of Corvallis toward Philomath on Highway 20/OR-34. Just outside of Philomath turn left onto OR-34/Alsea Hwy. Follow Highway 34 west for 10 miles (with some twisty turns!), then turn right from Highway 34 onto Marys Peak Road. The road to the summit is open all year, but is not plowed or maintained in winter, so find out the road conditions before going up during the snow season. Go slowly on this road, as it is narrow and there may be bikers straining up or screaming down the mountain. Watch out for rocks on the pavement. In 5.5 miles you will reach Conner’s Camp, turn right at the sign for the East Ridge trailhead parking area and picnic spot. A mile or so beyond Conner Camp, there is a turnout on the right beside Parker Creek Falls, a small waterfall tumbling down the rock face into a pool. The terminal upper parking lot is 4.5 miles up the road from Conner Camp.